Seems as most of you are from US, so there might be a little time difference, but that doesn't matter
I'm into balloons since years now. I'm a semi-popper, I like to avoid balloons popping (as far as I could) but I also like balloons getting harder and harder so ... sometimes they pop.
I like Balloons from around 14" (the fit inside clothing) up to 36", depending on what they are for.

Sometimes I also have online balloon sessions, it's interesting to see what others ask me to do with balloons.

So seems as this is a nice place here, guess you will now see me more often!

It seems that there has been a larger proportion of looners from Germany than other countries (USA, UK, Canada, Mexico, India, all the good ones), even accounting for population size differences. What do you believe is the reason for this? Is there something in German culture or media that might serve as a predisposition towards being a looner?

I think it is part of the more or less complete disconnection between well being in the old age and having own children. The pressure is not there any more in Germany and Scandinavian countries - also due to a quite good social system. In Germany especially there was the movement after 1968 liberalizing quite much.
If that connection is not there any more you can use sexuality and lust for the pleasure of your own and your partner. There is no pressure to limit yourself to an arranged marriage partner and suppress your fetishes completely.

You see that also when it comes to homosexuality - I am always shocked how many African and Indian men here exist who are gay but they all have children because the society forced them to do so - they married young and made some kids and then live their gay life outside or after divorce. NYC is full of those men. When they have a fetish it is worse - they tell you "Shhh, that must be absolutely secret, my parents at home may break contact".

When it comes to the US, it is generally a taboo to have sexual related stuff in public. But normally if you are anonymous in a forum or behind closed doors, everything is possble.

Thanks for the warm welcome - and sorry for not replying in a timely manner!

Originally Posted by t17forLife

What do you believe is the reason for this? Is there something in German culture or media that might serve as a predisposition towards being a looner?

I can only speculate, but I guess that the internet made it possible to connect and share ideas, and there are many balloon shops in germany where you can buy the beautiful ballons, maybe that helped too?

On the other hand I can't see so many looners, there are some in forums, but mostly they are quiet or sometimes don't even visit for months...